FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Researchers from Flinders University, alongside teams from China and the U.S., have introduced a groundbreaking way to track how native woodlands utilize water, offering deeper insights into the effects of extreme weather on fragile ecosystems.
The study focused on understorey vegetation—shrubs, grasses, and smaller plants—whose water use can account for up to 50% of ecosystem activity during hot weather.
Using airborne thermal imagery and modeling techniques, the team mapped evapotranspiration (ET) across two South Australian sites: a floodplain and a hilly catchment.
They found that flooding and terrain significantly influence ET patterns, with wet winters speeding up moisture depletion on north-facing slopes during dry summers.
Published in the Journal of Hydrology, the research emphasizes the importance of improved monitoring, as South Australia faces a projected 15–30% decline in rainfall by 2050.
Enhanced understanding of water dynamics is vital for ensuring long-term sustainability of ecosystems and resources.